No single name can describe all that God is. In the Bible, God is referred to by many names. Each name means something significant, and each name teaches us something about the character of God and about how we can relate to Him. Psalm 9:10 says, “And those who know Your name will put their trust in You…”
When we pray to God using one of His names, we acknowledge a part of His nature. Let’s look at some of the names you can use when you pray to God.
- Abba: Father
"Abba" is the Aramaic word meaning "Daddy" or "Father." It's a term of warm affection, intimacy, and respect for one's father. For some of you, that may sound like an irreverent way to address God, but Jesus called God, "Our Father," in Matthew 6:9 and He gave us that same right.
- Alpha and Omega: Beginning and End
Jesus said in Revelation, "I am Alpha and Omega." Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet. Omega is the last. If Jesus were speaking to an English audience, He would say, "I am A and Z." Jesus was in the beginning as the Word of God. And He is God's final word for all eternity.
- El Roi: The God Who Sees
El Roi was first revealed in the Bible to Hagar (See Genesis 16.). This name speaks to God’s sympathy. Did you know that God sees you right now? God knows your very thoughts. He is watching over you.
- Jehovah Jireh: The Lord Our Provider
Yireh (Jireh) is from the same Hebrew word as Moriah, which is the name of the region where God sent Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (See Genesis 22.). In that passage, God provides a ram for sacrifice in place of Isaac. In the same way, God provided His Son as a sacrifice for us. And He provides for us in other ways as well. He is the only one with the power, love, and resources to truly provide for us.
On our Names of God page, you will find 21 of God’s names, though there are many more used in Scripture.
